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Title: A General History of the Pyrates

Subtitle: From Their First Rise and Settlement in the Island of Providence, to the Present Time

Author: Daniel Defoe

Narrator: John Lee

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-15-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: History, World

Publisher's Summary:

"I presume we need make no Apology for giving the Name of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain nothing but the Actions of a Parcel of Robbers." (From the book)

This work was published in 1724, under the pseudonym Captain Charles Johnson, by an unknown British author, usually assumed to be Daniel Defoe. This work is the prime source for the biographies of many well-known pirates of that era and shaped the popular notions about pirates of the day. Included are Blackbeard, Black Bart, Jolly Roger, Anne Bonny (aka Anne Bonn), Edward Teach, Henry Avery, Mary Read, and many more.

Members Reviews:

Good

Great historical read if you're interested in the pirates from the 18th century, and maritime culture in general from that time.

Horrid Narration

The book is great for those interested in pirates. I have to disagree with the other review regarding narration, I thought it was horrendous and could only listen to so much at a time because it was so bland. After a while it became irritating, it didn't flow at all. It also sounds like his voice has been edited to hasten the reading speed, which a friend also thought when I played a snippet to him. Makes it difficult to follow the story because it moves from sentence to sentence so fast with hardly any pause.

I think the majority of people interested in this book would enjoy a printed version more than this specific audiobook.

A well-read classic of maritime history

This is a wonderful book which has been excellently reproduced here as an audiobook. I would certainly have issued a full 5 star rating but for a handful of minor gripes. None of these, however, are with the book itself and so feel somewhat harsh and academic. Perhaps, if I were able, I could issue a 4.5 star rating?... Nevertheless, the criticisms are worth a mention.

Given the popularity of the subject and the vast number of books published, there is a notable scarcity of audiobooks on piracy. The fact that this book has not only made it into the Audible collection, but has been so well read by John Lee, is both welcome and pleasing. It is, for sure, an absolute classic which anyone with any kind of interest in the Pirates of the Golden Age ought to invest. It is true that, being first published in 1724, the vernacular can be a little difficult at times, but it is both written, and now read, with such expertise that it may be listened to with ease. In fact, it is this very thing which lends this book so well to this format as, despite the quality of writing, on paper it can be occasionally awkward and hard to fully comprehend for modern readers, but John Lee's delivery is such that the content is instantly accessible to all.

For those who are intrigued by Golden Age Pirates and have not yet tackled Captain Charles Johnson's "General History", this is essential listening, and the slightly dated English of the 18th Century should in no way put you off. Actually, it is this which lends the book real authenticity and truly allows you to indulge your imagination and brings these many great, nefarious characters from history to life.